But he has the footwork, instincts and coordination to make the baddest moves on the football field as arguably the best middle linebacker in the NFL. Kuechly has been named Sporting News’ Defensive Player of the Year and that comes as a shock to absolutely no one.

A first-time Pro Bowler, Kuechly was fourth in the league in the regular season with 156 tackles. He also intercepted four passes and recorded two sacks. Most important, he was the anchor of a defense that was second in the league, yielding a mere 301.2 yards per game.

It’s impossible not to marvel at back-to-back seasons like that. At this point, even veterans have to give him his due. At the Pro Bowl in Hawaii, Kuechly quickly emerged as a defensive leader, shouting out signals. After all, it’s not a coincidence that he always seems to be around the ball. He has an uncanny recognition of offensive play calls and is studious.